New traffic signals at Sudmeadow Road with pedestrian crossing facilities.

Increasing the width of the footways for pedestrians on both sides of Llanthony Road.

The council is aiming to start work by beginning of 2018 and have it completed by the end of 2019.

But if they are forced to make a compulsory purchase of the buildings because the landlord is unwilling to sell, this could delay it up until the summer of 2021.

But why?

It is a major artery for the east side of Gloucester and as a result causes serious traffic problems during morning and evening rush hours.

Currently a single carriageway, the Llanthony Road section is used by an average of 24,894 vehicles per day and is the final stretch of the bypass to be upgraded under the council’s programme of improvements.

Predictions for improvements in Llanthony Road

And with numerous other developments in the area including a new hotel at Bakers Quay, new housing by St Anne Way and Gloucester City FC’s new stadium being built, it is needed more than ever, according to some.

What does the owner of the buildings due for demolition think?

As mentioned a large part of existing warehouses on the road will have to be bought by the council so they can demolish it.

It remains to be seen whether the owner is willing to do so which could not only prove more expensive but delay the project by years.

But owner Nick Brody, who also runs two companies in the large building, is keeping an open mind.

Part of the large building that will need to be demolished for the plans on Llanthony Road

“I have had no real discussions with the council yet. They have to get their ducks in line and then they will come to me about what they want to do,” he said.

“It is a bottle neck here, there’s no getting away from that.

“Anyone with common sense knows it’s a problem.

“This area is growing rapidly, when I bought this place 14 years ago it was very quiet.

“It is a big change but that’s life and sometimes these things happen.”

Who is in support?

Apparently a lot of people. Early results from the first consultation showed 130 in favour.

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One of which is Anthony Voss who works at Trade Phones in Llanthony Road.

“It looks like a good idea, it’s definitely needed for the area,” he said.

“It can be a night mare on that road. Anything that helps is welcome.

“A lot of this area is being tidied up. Change isn’t always a bad thing.”

Who is against it?

One of the existing warehouse tenants, Bikini Bathrooms is against the proposal, with managing director Cormac Veale alleging the plan is a waste of tax payer’s money and potentially ending his business.

“It’s at great cost to the tax payer but all it will do is move the bottleneck down the road. It won’t work,” he said.

Bikini Bathrooms which will need to be demolished for the plans on Llanthony Road

“If they sell up most businesses will be ok moving as they are just desks and computers but we have 28 fixed displays here and work with eight fitting teams.

“We don’t want to go. This could ruin the business.

“Considering the expense and the disruption it will cause, I don’t think they have thought enough about it.”

What do the council GFrist and council have to say?

Councillor Nigel Moor, cabinet member for fire, planning and infrastructure , said: “The C&G and Walls roundabouts and the Elmbridge Transport schemes show we have a good track record for tackling congestion and supporting economic development in Gloucestershire. “Currently the A430 Llanthony Road section of the Gloucester South West Bypass creates a bottleneck for traffic which this key scheme will tackle. This proposal to improve the final section of Gloucester South West Bypass is a positive step towards a faster-moving future for the county.

“I would urge businesses and residents to come along to an event and let us know what they think.”

Llanthony Road - blue line is existing lay out

David Owen, chief executive of GFirst LEP, said: “Within the LEP we recognize that investment in our transport network is an essential element for economic growth. This proposed investment will complete the Gloucester South West Bypass, providing a faster link between the south of Gloucester and the A40 west and Forest of Dean.

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It will also improve access for development sites in the area, including the long awaited re-development of Gloucester City Football Stadium and enhance facilities for pedestrians. This investment very much compliments the other LEP investments in the area, particularly the Blackfriars and Quayside scheme and the A40/Over Roundabout improvements that will start in early 2018.”